JNU scholar Sharjeel Imam has requested interim bail to contest the Bihar Assembly elections, calling himself a political prisoner and student activist. He filed the plea before Karkardooma Court’s ASJ Sameer Bajpai, who is handling the Delhi riots conspiracy case. Imam has sought bail from October 15 to October 29 to campaign in Bihar.
He faces several cases linked to protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC). Though granted bail in some cases, he remains in jail under the UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act). The Delhi High Court earlier denied his regular bail, and his appeal is now in the Supreme Court.
Imam plans to contest as an independent candidate from Bahadurganj seat. The Bihar elections are set for two phases between November 10, 2025, and November 16, 2026. The petition highlights his desire to participate democratically despite ongoing legal challenges.
